Front, from left: Denise Ryan (Secretary), Leonie Saunders (President), and Jodie Williams (Secretary).
Back, from left: Leonie Fish (Social Issues), Carol McIntyre (Vice President), Kaye Crockett (Agricultural and Environment), Joy Beames (CWA of NSW Past State President), Tess Faulkner, Annette Reiper (State Executive Committee Member), Jackie England (Vice President), Jo Edgar (Publicity), Jean Beby (Handicraft), Gai Bailey (International), and Trish Stabback (Vice President). Photo: Pauline Cain.
NORTH Coast Group Country Women’s Association (CWA) President Leonie Saunders welcomed 65 members to the 79th Annual Meeting and Conference at the Salvation Army Hall in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 21 October.
“CWA is the glue that holds many small towns together,” said Mrs Saunders.
The meeting was officially opened by immediate past president of CWA NSW, Joy Beames.
Mrs Beames spoke about the Backing the Bush campaign, which was launched by the CWA in Dubbo last month, focussing on roads and health.
“Don’t underestimate what the CWA can do,” Mrs Beames said.
“We have to keep pushing.
“Our success as an association relies on many things.
“One of them is our advocacy, but also the lives we touch and the friendships we form.”
Guest speakers Mrs Honi Reifler and Mrs Chantal Kemsley spoke about the Sherwood Christian Rehabilitation Centre.
They highlighted the work they had done with those needing drug and alcohol rehabilitation since the centre was established in 1978.
“We all know someone who is struggling,” Mrs Kemsley said..
“Without community and connection we struggle and we all need places to belong and do life with.”
The North Coast Group has 297 members across 16 branches – Bellingen, Bonville, Coffs Harbour, Coutts Crossing, Dorrigo, Glenreagh, Grafton, Iluka, Maclean, Orara Valley, Raleigh-Repton, Sawtell, South Grafton Evening, Urunga, Woolgoolga and Yamba.
Branch reports highlighted the many community events, activities and fundraisers in which they have been involved.
By Pauline CAIN
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